Foundation Files / Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation

I, like everyone else, was very excited for the latest Maybelline releases to hit Australian shores. So between the incredible launch event in Melbourne and when I came over to the U.S. I was working hard to trial everything so I could get a few reviews up while I was away. Although I’m sure I’m not alone in being just a little hyped about the new lip launches, I was intrigued to try out the newest foundation that Maybelline are adding to their line-up. The Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation* has a bunch of claims that sound right up my alley and I hadn’t really tried many Maybelline foundations so I was keen to put this one to the test.

Packaging –

A simple squeeze-tube – perfect for this mousse formulation and also super convenient for travel.

Formula –

Maybelline refer to the formula as a gel-whipped foundation. To me, I find it fairly thick and mousse-y. There’s more water in this formula, compared to the Dream Matte Velvet Mousse foundation, which makes it more comfortable on the skin. One little squeeze of the foundation goes a long way, I find.

Application –

I found that a dense, buffing brush tended to make the foundation a little streaky – it took quite a bit of blending to achieve a natural looking finish. A looser fluffy foundation brush did a better job of providing a flawless finish but still left it looking as if it’s sitting on the skin. Unsurprisingly, a damp BeautyBlender is the quickest and easiest way to apply the foundation to achieve a finish that looks skin, but better.

Finish/Coverage –

The soft-matte claim rings pretty true, I’d say – it’s not an uncomfortable matte but still provides a velvety, natural finish. I actually really love how it looks on the skin – with just a hint of dewiness coming through. The coverage is light to medium, it covers most of my redness but isn’t heavy duty enough to cover major scarring or spots.

Wear –

Straight away, the formula feels incredibly comfortable on the skin – weightless and even a little hydrating. It does transfer if it’s not set down with powder, as is normally the case for me, so I prefer to set it down. It doesn’t seem to cling to dry patches and after a full day of wear a little bit of oil on my t-zone comes through but nothing drastic, I actually prefer how the base looks after a couple of hours of wear. The coverage remains on most of the skin, wearing a little bit around the chin and jawline where I normally rest my hand during the day.

Shade –

Unfortunately even the lightest shade in the range, 10 Porcelain Ivory, isn’t quite light enough for my pale skin. It has quite a yellow undertone to it, which goes a little orange on me. A drop or two of foundation lightening drops makes it much more wearable, however, so even I can get away with it.

Left: 10 Porcelain Ivory, Right: 15 Ivory.

If you have dry skin,this could be a good option for you if you’re after a matte finish. It provides the look without the uncomfortable dry patches.If you have oily skin, I’d definitely recommend setting it down with powder as it didn’t completely control the oil in my t-zone but if you don’t mind a bit of sheen throughout the day then it could be a good option, if you’re after a truly matte coverage then I’d say it’s better to look elsewhere.

I’ll admit I didn’t have very high hopes for this one, considering my latest obsession with dewy bases, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how much of a simple success it is. It hasn’t suddenly shot up the ranks of favourite bases but what Maybelline says is pretty true – it feels incredibly comfortable on the skin all day long. I can definitely see myself reaching for this a bunch, especially in winter. If you’re a fan of a more mattified look but still need a dose of hydration, make sure to check this one out!

I'm all about easy, achievable makeup. And I love mixing up my collection with everything from budget beauty to luxury picks.

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